What to Do When the Car Starts but the Door Won't Open?
3 Answers
There are many reasons why a car door may not open, but they can generally be categorized into the following situations: 1. The central locking system is activated: If the door won't open, first try using the car key to lock and unlock it twice. Then locate the central locking button on the left front door trim panel of the driver's side and press the unlock button. After this, try opening the door again. 2. The child lock is engaged: Most rear doors have a child lock. If it is accidentally left on when the door is closed, the door will not open. Therefore, always check if the child lock is disengaged before closing the door. If the door still won't open, use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the child lock to the off position. 3. The door lock cable is malfunctioning: In this case, the door cannot be opened from either inside or outside the car because the malfunctioning cable directly affects the lock mechanism. Replacing the door lock cable is necessary to restore normal operation of the door.
I've encountered this issue several times where the car starts but the doors just won't open. First try pressing the unlock button on your remote key. If the car lights flash but the doors don't budge, it's likely the door lock mechanism is jammed. Look for the emergency mechanical key on your key fob – there's usually a hidden keyhole on the driver's side door handle. If even the mechanical key won't turn, the lock cylinder might be frozen or rusted. Using a hairdryer to blow warm air along the door gap is the safest solution – never pour boiling water as it can damage the paint. As a last resort, you can crawl in through the trunk, provided your car has foldable rear seats. For such malfunctions, it's best to visit a professional auto repair shop ASAP. Forcing the door open might snap the cables, leading to more expensive repairs.
Last time I was on a business trip, I got stuck in this situation: the car started but the doors were locked, and I was sweating with anxiety. First, check the battery of your remote key—if the light doesn’t come on, try replacing the battery. If that doesn’t work, remember that all cars come with a mechanical keyhole, usually hidden under the door handle cover. If the keyhole is frozen, warm the key with a lighter before inserting it. Later, I found that most cars can be unlocked remotely via a mobile app, but the car’s system must have internet connectivity. Another trick is to use a jack rod to lift the car and disconnect the door lock cable from the undercarriage—but don’t try this if you’re not a professional. After handling these emergencies, remember to get a full inspection of the door lock motor at a 4S shop. Spending 200 yuan on prevention is much cheaper than paying for a tow truck.
